One activity that makes Cabo San Lucas a popular tourist destination is whale watching. Unlike other Mexican beach cities, towns, and areas, Cabo San Lucas is blessed with numerous sightings of whales all year round. So now, if you want to do some whale watching, you may wonder: When is the whale watching season in Cabo San Lucas?
The whale watching season in Cabo San Lucas starts around the first week of December and lasts until the middle of April. However, the peak months are December until January. During these months, you can see various whales, including blue, gray, orca, and more.
While you can find whales in Cabo San Lucas all year round, there are months when the whale sightings are at their peak, thereby giving more chances to see them. As such, you’ll want to book a whale-watching tour during the peak season for better chances of seeing them. If the best time is your concern, we got you.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the whale-watching season. This information answers the best time of the year to watch whales and book whale-watching tours. After reading, you can understand the best time and book the best dates to watch some whales in Cabo San Lucas.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
When Can You See Whales in Cabo San Lucas?
Generally, you can see whales in Cabo San Lucas all year round. However, some seasons have more whale sightings, while other months have less to none. As such, the whale season will give you a better idea of when to book a whale-watching tour.
For instance, whales often appear in the waters of Cabo San Lucas from the middle of December to the middle of April. For this reason, most whale-watching tour companies recommend booking from January to March for the best chance of spotting these beautiful giants.
Now, if you are still getting familiar with Cabo San Lucas, you may wonder about its location. As such, you can read our article Discover the Magic of Cabo San Lucas: Where to Find It to know more.
What Time of Year Are Whale Sharks in Cabo San Lucas?
If you’re interested in seeing whale sharks while in Cabo San Lucas, you can spot them from time to time all year. However, whale sharks mostly appear from November to April. As such, these months will be the best time to book a whale-watching tour.
Now, even though whale sharks and other types of whales start to show up in the waters of Cabo San Lucas by November, the whale-watching season usually starts in December and lasts until April.
For better chances, you’ll want to book from January to March. During these months, you enjoy a 90 to 95 percent chance of seeing whales. Further, you’ll find more whales in a single tour during these months.
During late December and early January, whales will migrate back to the area, and males will move from pod to pod in search of females for mating.
Other males migrating into the area may increase their activity. Male whales are more active when there is more competition for female attention.
Female whales begin calving from late January to early March, so you’re more likely to see baby whales then. As the season progresses, the babies will grow and become more active, making whale watching in Mexico more exciting.
Can You Guarantee Whale Sightings on Whale Watching Tours?
Booking a whale-watching tour doesn’t mean you get to enjoy whale sightings. The whale-watching tour companies always inform their clients about this matter.
For this reason, you cannot request any refund if you couldn’t see whales during your tour.
Of course, a whale-watching tour is open all year round. However, we recommend booking from January to February for the best chances. During these months, you can enjoy a 90 percent chance of seeing whales.
If you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas during the whale watching season, you can always find other activities and things to do in the city. To know more, read: Experience the Magic of Cabo San Lucas: Top 10 Things to Do.
Best Time of Day to Whale Watch in Cabo San Lucas
Besides the season, you’ll want to know the best time of the day to watch some whales, and in Cabo San Lucas, it’s the morning.
Early morning tours often have the calmest seas with the lowest winds and waves of the day. By doing so, you will be able to spot whales, and the boat ride will be more comfortable. Families with younger children and guests who experience motion sickness should choose this time.
During the whale watching season, you will almost always see humpback whales, but the time of day also matters.
Since the waters are becoming rougher during midday whale-watching tours, there is more activity.
The afternoon and early evening are the busiest times with high tides and increased winds. While the ride may be bumpier, the whales’ activities and sights will make the ride worthwhile.
Whales in Cabo have also been observed to be active for two to three days before lulling for three or four days.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the year’s season and time of the day play a crucial role in whale-watching at Cabo San Lucas. As such, you must consider these times when planning or booking a whale-watching tour in the city.
In Cabo San Lucas, the whale watching season starts around the first week of December and lasts until the middle of April, when the season ends. The peak months are December until January, when the number of visitors is at its highest. Many kinds of whales can be seen during these months, including blue, gray, orca, and many others.
Now, if you’re wondering about fishing in Cabo San Lucas, you’ll want to know the best month to do this activity to enjoy some nice catch. If so, you can read What Is the Best Fishing Months in Cabo San Lucas?
